Fitspiration – Messages posted along with pictures of athletes to motivate and inspire you to persevere through exercise.
The Metropolitant team scour the internet and speak to folks dedicated to their craft. This new column will showcase fitness enthusiast sharing more about themselves and their favorite exercise. Stay tuned to get inspired and motivated before your next workout!
This week, we speak to Darwin (Dean) Ramirez, bored in Philippines and now studying in Republic Polytechnic. We planned for an interview right after he was crowned Republic Poly’s ON Fitness Model Search Champion 2016, not knowing he will go right on to win Nabba Muscle War 2016 – Category Champion.
Despite having a fever (which happened to be the first day of his Dengue fever), he posed and flexed his way through the interview.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE STATE OF PROFESSIONAL BODYBUILDING IN SINGAPORE TODAY?
I think there is much to be said about the current state of bodybuilding in Singapore. It is definitely growing, thriving as an industry in itself, and with the help of social media, more and more people have been getting into it right now, and I believe this ensures the future of bodybuilding.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU BEGIN BODYBUILDING AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO KEEP WITH IT?
I’ve always been very competitive as a child. I picked up my first set of dumbbells from a “home workout” kit my mum bought when I was younger. I’d steal them at night and just do curls with them in my room cause mum disallowed me to use them. She believed it’ll stunt my growth lol. I first got into the gym years later at about 15 or 16 years old from being invited by friends. I’m the only one who still trains today.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT COULD BE DONE TO BOOST THE POPULARITY AND MARKETABILITY OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING?
I think it’s all about what people want to see, since that’s what sells. In my personal observation, I don’t think a lot of women love the ‘bulky’ look on another woman. I think most of them would prefer a more streamlined yet still defined look, not too soft on the arms and legs and abs, but just enough lines to epitomise strength and physical prowess.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE NUTRITION PLAN YOU CURRENTLY FOLLOW?
I follow the same diet year-round whether or not I’m preparing for a contest or not. My diet is based on my daily macronutrient requirement, and I acquire these nutrients through eating whole foods. I adjust my macros and eat foods based on my goals. This makes it really easy for me to monitor my progress.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR DIET TIPS?
1. Eat whole food. Unwanted weight gain usually comes from hidden empty calories such as simple sugars and saturated fat.
2. Enjoy, but don’t indulge. Don’t deprive yourself of good food. Eat a little just to stop the craving and then don’t eat anymore.
3. Compensate. If you’re gonna go for a buffet at night, eat less for your meals the day before, or the day after.
4. Educate yourself. Most important. Teach yourself how to fish and stop following others’ advise blindly. Read books and articles, watch educational videos, etc.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT THE GYM?
I focus on things that bring me self-growth. I read about anything and everything I find interesting. I’m currently into meditation and self-empowerment. Other times I play online games and spend time with my family.
YOU ARE SEEN AS AN INSPIRATION TO MANY ASPIRING BODY BUILDERS OUT THERE, WHO INSPIRES YOU?
One of the most inspiring people I currently look up to, other than my amazing parents, would be Matthew Ogus. He is a Youtube Personality, and I believe that he is one of a very few who actually give legitimate, helpful information about fitness.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS?
I plan to stay out of competition throughout the rest of the year and take the time to grow and progress, as I plan on bringing a different version of myself in my next competition.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVISE FOR ASPIRING BODY BUILDERS OUT THERE?
The only advise I can give to anyone aspiring to be a bodybuilder, or anything, for that matter, is that you have to be passionate enough about something to one day be able to see your efforts come to fruition. Just stick to it and make a habit out of it. It’s not about having motivation, but discipline, and an undying stubbornness to chase after a goal no one else can see but you.
We thank Dean for his time and a speedy recovery from his dengue fever!